The Pine City ACT Team on Alzheimer’s is calling on community members to contribute to a vital conversation. Whether you are a caregiver, a concerned resident, or simply interested in learning more, your input is invaluable. We invite you to participate in our upcoming Community Brainstorm Session, designed to gather your insights on the educational trainings and resources most needed to support individuals and families in our community affected by dementia. This meeting, as highlighted in the Pine City Pioneer Newspaper Mn and other local outlets, is a crucial step in revitalizing our community support efforts.
Re-energizing Dementia Support in Pine City
The Pine City ACT (Action Community Team) on Alzheimer’s has been a dedicated force in our community since its inception in January 2015. Our mission is focused on two key priorities:
- Boosting Education and Awareness: Providing comprehensive education about Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related illnesses is paramount.
- Strengthening Caregiver Resources: Ensuring robust support systems are available for the often-unsung heroes – the caregivers.
Over the years, our team has been proactive in fulfilling these priorities, with notable achievements including:
- Resource Accessibility: Creation and widespread distribution of a comprehensive Resource Brochure, making vital information readily available.
- Community Engagement via Pine City Pioneer Newspaper MN: Regular articles published in the local newspaper, the Pine City Pioneer, addressing critical dementia-related topics. These articles have covered a range of subjects, from caregiver support and local resources to navigating holidays and the challenges of caregiving.
- Collaborative Training and Presentations: Partnering with Pine City Community Education and other state and local organizations to deliver informative trainings and presentations. These sessions have reached diverse groups, including the Chamber of Commerce, faith-based communities, and students from both high schools and junior high schools.
- Dementia Friends Initiative: Hosting Dementia Friends Champion Trainings and Information Sessions, contributing to a more understanding and supportive community.
Like many community initiatives, the progress of Pine City ACT on Alzheimer’s was temporarily paused in 2020 due to the global pandemic and necessary social distancing measures. However, we are excited to announce that our team is reconvening with renewed energy and commitment to revitalize and expand our activities and support systems for the Pine City community.
Your Voice Matters: Community Brainstorm Session Details
We believe that the most effective community support programs are built with community input. That’s why we are hosting this crucial Community Brainstorm Session. We need your insights to understand directly from you what educational trainings and resources are most beneficial for those navigating the complexities of dementia in our area.
Meeting Details:
- Purpose: To gather community input on needed dementia-related education and resources.
- Target Audience: Caregivers, community members, individuals interested in dementia support.
- Participation: We strongly encourage in-person participation to foster a collaborative environment.
- Virtual Option: For those unable to attend in person, virtual participation is available. Please contact Natalie Matthewson at [email protected] or 320-227-1658 to request the meeting link.
The Journey Towards a Dementia-Friendly Pine City
The Pine City Act on Alzheimer’s initiative began as a collaborative effort, bringing together healthcare professionals, community service agencies, local public servants, and faith-based groups. Recognizing the growing needs and challenges posed by dementia, this coalition united to support those living with the condition, as well as their families and caregivers. With the support of the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging and the City of Pine City, our ACT Team has diligently worked to consolidate resources, raise awareness, and provide crucial education about dementia within our community, efforts often reported in the Pine City Pioneer Newspaper MN.
Our journey has been structured in four phases towards making Pine City a truly Dementia Friendly Community. We have successfully completed the first three phases:
- Phase 1 – Convening: This initial phase focused on bringing together key stakeholders and community members. The goal was to assess, analyze, and plan for implementation. A significant part of this phase involved securing grant funding to provide the financial resources necessary to achieve our objectives and facilitate the assessment and analysis processes.
- Phase 2 – Assess: ACT Team members actively engaged with the community to gather data. This involved interviews and research to determine the availability of resources for families and individuals affected by dementia, and to gauge the overall level of community awareness and understanding of dementia-related issues.
- Phase 3 – Analyze: Utilizing the data collected during the assessment phase, the ACT Team developed a comprehensive “Action Plan.” This plan is designed to educate the community about available resources and key dementia-related issues, ensuring that information is accessible and impactful.
These phases were underpinned by grant funding and guided by the ACT on Alzheimer’s Dementia Friendly toolkit. A community assessment conducted in the summer of 2016 played a vital role in shaping our direction. In September 2016, a community gathering was held to share the results of this survey. Participants prioritized community needs, identifying outreach through media and resource provision as the top two focus areas for Phase 4.
Current Initiatives: Phase 4 and Beyond
Thanks to continued support from the ACT on Alzheimer’s state organization, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Central Minnesota Council on Aging, Pine City Act on Alzheimer’s was awarded the Phase 4 grant, specifically dedicated to implementation efforts. Currently, alongside the full ACT Team, two specialized committees are actively working to advance our goals:
- Resource/Brochure Committee: This committee is dedicated to compiling and updating resource information for the community. Their work includes gathering information for both printed brochures and digital social media resources, ensuring information is accessible across various platforms.
- Media/Outreach Committee: This committee is focused on expanding education and information dissemination through various channels. This includes ongoing collaboration with local media outlets, such as the Pine City Pioneer Newspaper MN, to provide regular articles on dementia and Alzheimer’s. The committee also organizes training sessions and utilizes radio to reach a broader audience. A key element of their media outreach strategy is the commitment to providing a monthly article in the Pine City Pioneer, keeping dementia-related topics in the public consciousness.
Get Involved and Make a Difference
We invite anyone who is interested in learning more or becoming involved in making Pine City an even more Dementia Friendly community to reach out. Your participation, whether as a caregiver, a concerned community member, or a professional, can significantly impact our efforts.
Contact:
, ACT on Alzheimer’s Pine City Coordinator
In the News: Pine City Pioneer Highlights
Stay informed about our ongoing efforts and related topics by exploring these articles published in the Pine City Pioneer Newspaper MN:
- ACT on Alzheimer’s Continues Efforts in Pine City Area – Pine City Pioneer, January 20, 2017
- Memory Cafe offered in Pine City – Pine City Pioneer, February 27, 2017
- Caregiver Story: Madelyn & Harold Wimmer – Pine City Pioneer, March 15, 2017
- Therapy Makes a Difference when Dealing with Dementia – Pine City Pioneer, April 14, 2017
- Brain Kit resources available at Pine City Library – Pine City Pioneer, July 21, 2017
- Adult Daybreak continues in Pine City – Pine City Pioneer, June 30, 2017
- With Alzheimer’s Disease, Every Minute Counts – Pine City Pioneer, October 13, 2017
- Resource Highlight: Family Pathways – Horizons’ Pine Poker
Helpful Resources
For further information and support, please visit these helpful links:
